At the Library in May
May 1, 2013
Andrew J. Cantrelle
May 2, 2013
THE DINNER
By Herman Koch
Hogarth $24
The Lohman brothers and their wives meet for dinner at one of Amsterdam’s finest restaurants to discuss their 15-year-old sons, both honorable, who have inexplicitly committed a horrendous act. Fireworks ensue as they debate whether to cover up their kids’ involvement or inform police. Serge, a politician sure to be the next prime minister, is especially torn since the revelation would cripple his campaign. You, especially if you’re a parent, confronted with their dilemma, must consider the terrible choice you might make. This is an exceptional novel, frightening, yet funny at times, and nearly impossible to put down.
SIX YEARS
By Harlan Coben
Dutton $27.95
When Natalie, the “love of his life,” abruptly marries another man, Jake Fisher is more than just heartbroken. He is devastated, and for the next six years, there is hardly a day when he doesn’t think of her. When he learns her husband has died, he rushes to be at her side, but the widow at the cemetery is not Natalie. Bewildered, Jake is determined to find her but soon realizes he’s not alone in the search and that he is also being hunted and threatened with death. Coben weaves another spellbinding mystery that will definitely keep you up nights.
ALEX CROSS, RUN
By James Patterson
Little, Brown $28.99
Patterson again puts Alex Cross in jeopardy with not one, not two, but three serial killers who are among the most sinister and treacherous he’s ever faced. Elijah Cream, a top plastic surgeon, enjoys hosting parties with underage exotic dancers, drugs and sex until Alex busts one and ends his fun. Cream’s perverted partner Joshua competes with him for the number of kills, at times allowing the other to listen in by cell phone. And then there’s Ron Guidice seeking vengeance for the death of his fiancee, which he blames on Cross. Patterson keeps ‘em coming.
HOW LITERATURE SAVED MY LIFE
By David Shields
Knopf $25.95
My appreciation for David Shields began when I read his, “The Thing About Life Is That One Day you’ll be Dead.” The same intelligence and insights he displayed in that one are even more evident in this as he just lets it “all hang out.” He not only reveals very private moments in his life, but also gives us pithy quotes from many great, important books, ancient and current, we should read, but probably won’t.
A JESUIT OFF-BROADWAY
By James Martin, SJ
Loyola Press $14.95
In this delightful memoir of his six-month experience as theological consultant for the original Off-Broadway production of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” Father Martin found himself answering deep, often difficult questions from the author and cast. Guided by his suggestions of books to read, they, and we, learn many aspects of Judas’ life and wonder why Jesus chose him as a disciple in the first place. Did he already know Judas would betray him? Many in the cast were established actors in movies or TV, notably star Philip Seymour Hoffman.
2013 MOVIE GUIDE
By Leonard Maltin
A Plume Book $22
You’ll find more than 16,000 capsule movie reviews in Maltin’s latest guide, a must have for movie lovers and the most popular source of movie facts and lore.
The WORLD ALMAMAC 2013
By Sarah Jannsen, Senior Editor
World Almanac Books $12.99
This current one-volume reference again offers a quick and handy source of facts and information up to and including the 2012 Election Results.
From the same publishers comes WORLD ALMANAC FOR KIDS, $13.99, which in full color photographs and lists, will appeal to adults as well as kids.
“The Dinner”
“Six Years”
Alex Cross, Run
“How Literature Saved My Life”
“A Jesuit Off-Broadway”
“2013 Movie Guide”
“The World Almanac 2013”
